Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in a mobile communication system, the method comprising: receiving, at the MME, from a User Equipment (UE), a message including voice domain preference information indicating an access network that is preferred by the UE for a voice service; determining, by the MME, whether a user of the UE is a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) subscriber; determining, by the MME, whether access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed based on the voice domain preference information and whether the user is a VoLTE subscriber; and transmitting, to the UE, a message indicating whether the access to the mobile communication system is allowed, wherein access to the mobile communication system is allowed if the voice domain preference information indicates that only VoLTE is supported by the UE and if the user of the UE is the VoLTE subscriber.
In mobile communication systems, ensuring seamless voice service delivery while managing network access for different types of subscribers is a critical challenge. This invention addresses the need for efficient handling of voice domain preferences in a system where User Equipment (UE) devices may support different voice service technologies, such as Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE). The Mobility Management Entity (MME) plays a key role in this process by evaluating whether a UE should be granted access to the network based on its voice capabilities and the user's subscription status. The MME receives a message from the UE containing voice domain preference information, which specifies the access network preferred by the UE for voice services. The MME then determines whether the UE user is a VoLTE subscriber. Based on this information, the MME assesses whether the UE should be allowed access to the mobile communication system. Access is permitted only if the UE indicates support for VoLTE exclusively and the user is a VoLTE subscriber. If these conditions are met, the MME transmits a message to the UE confirming access. Otherwise, access may be denied or restricted. This method ensures that network resources are allocated efficiently while maintaining compatibility with the UE's voice service capabilities and the user's subscription type.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed comprises: identifying subscription information; and determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed by using the subscription information and the voice domain preference information.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically to methods for controlling user equipment (UE) access based on subscription and voice domain preference information. The problem addressed is ensuring that UE access to the mobile communication system is properly authorized and aligned with user preferences, particularly in voice services. The method involves determining whether a UE is allowed to access the mobile communication system by first identifying the UE's subscription information, which includes details about the user's service agreements and permissions. The method then evaluates this subscription information alongside voice domain preference information, which specifies the user's preferred voice service domain (e.g., circuit-switched or packet-switched). By cross-referencing these two sets of data, the system can make an informed decision about whether to grant or deny access. This ensures that access is both authorized and optimized for the user's preferred voice service configuration. The approach enhances network efficiency and user experience by preventing unauthorized access and aligning services with user preferences.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed comprises, when the subscription information includes information indicating that a subscriber is a VoLTE subscriber, determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed by using the voice domain preference information.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically methods for controlling access of user equipment (UE) to a mobile network based on subscription and service preferences. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and appropriate network access for different types of subscribers, particularly those using Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services. The method involves determining whether a UE is allowed to access the mobile communication system by evaluating subscription information associated with the UE. If the subscription information indicates that the subscriber is a VoLTE subscriber, the system further checks voice domain preference information to decide whether access should be granted. This preference information may include settings that prioritize voice services over data or vice versa, ensuring that VoLTE subscribers receive optimized service quality. The method ensures that network resources are allocated appropriately based on the subscriber's service type, improving overall network efficiency and user experience. The approach is particularly useful in scenarios where network capacity is limited or when prioritizing certain types of traffic is necessary.
4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: identifying the subscription information; and receiving the subscription information from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS).
A system and method for managing network subscriptions in a telecommunications environment addresses the challenge of efficiently retrieving and updating subscriber data to ensure seamless service provisioning. The invention involves a process where a network entity, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or a Serving Gateway (SGW), interacts with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to obtain and verify subscription details for a user equipment (UE) device. The method includes identifying the subscription information associated with the UE, which may involve querying the HSS based on the UE's identity or other relevant parameters. The HSS, acting as the central repository for subscriber data, provides the requested subscription details, which may include service permissions, quality of service (QoS) parameters, or access restrictions. This information is then used to configure network resources, enforce policies, or authenticate the UE. The invention ensures that the network dynamically adapts to changes in subscriber profiles, improving service reliability and reducing manual intervention. By automating the retrieval of subscription data from the HSS, the system enhances efficiency and reduces the risk of errors in service provisioning. The method is particularly useful in LTE and 5G networks where real-time subscriber data management is critical for maintaining high-performance connectivity.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed comprises: receiving, from the UE, UE usage setting information including information indicating whether the UE prefers the voice service or a data service; and determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed by using the UE usage setting information and the voice domain preference information.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing user equipment (UE) access based on service preferences. The method involves determining whether a UE is allowed to access a mobile communication system by evaluating both UE usage settings and voice domain preference information. The UE transmits usage setting information, which includes whether the device prioritizes voice services or data services. The system then uses this information alongside voice domain preference data to decide access permissions. This approach ensures that network resources are allocated optimally, balancing the needs of different service types. The method may also involve checking whether the UE is capable of supporting voice services, further refining access control decisions. By integrating these factors, the system can enhance service quality and network efficiency, particularly in scenarios where resources are constrained or demand fluctuates. The solution is applicable to various mobile communication environments, including 4G and 5G networks, where dynamic access management is critical for maintaining performance and user satisfaction.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed comprises, when the voice domain preference information includes information indicating that only a Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB)-based voice service is supported, determining not to allow the access of the UE to the network.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically addressing access control for user equipment (UE) based on voice domain preference settings. The problem solved is ensuring that UEs attempting to access a mobile network are properly restricted when they only support Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB)-based voice services, which may not be compatible with the network's capabilities or policies. The method involves evaluating voice domain preference information provided by the UE during an access attempt. If the UE indicates that it only supports CSFB-based voice services, the network determines that access should not be allowed. This prevents UEs with limited voice service capabilities from connecting to the network, which could lead to service disruptions or inefficiencies. The decision is based on the UE's declared support for CSFB, ensuring that only compatible devices are granted access. The method may also involve additional checks, such as verifying whether the UE supports other voice service modes or whether the network can accommodate CSFB requests. By enforcing these restrictions, the network maintains optimal performance and compatibility, avoiding potential conflicts with UEs that lack full voice service capabilities. This approach enhances network efficiency and user experience by ensuring that only appropriately configured devices are permitted to access the system.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed further comprises, when the voice domain preference information includes information indicating that a Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB)-based voice service is primarily preferred and that a VoLTE-based voice service is secondarily preferred, transmitting information indicating that the access to the network through the CSFB-based voice service is not possible to the UE.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically methods for managing access to voice services in networks supporting both Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE). The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and appropriate access control when a user equipment (UE) attempts to connect to a mobile communication system with conflicting or prioritized voice service preferences. The method involves determining whether a UE is allowed to access the network based on its voice domain preference information. If the UE indicates a primary preference for CSFB-based voice service and a secondary preference for VoLTE, the system checks whether CSFB access is possible. If CSFB access is not available, the system transmits a notification to the UE indicating that CSFB-based voice service is unavailable. This ensures the UE is informed of the access limitations, allowing it to adjust its connection strategy accordingly. The method helps optimize network resource allocation and user experience by preventing unnecessary attempts to access unavailable services.
8. A Mobility Management Entity (MME) for use in a mobile communication system, the MME comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with another network entity; and a controller configured to control the transceiver to receive, from a User Equipment (UE), a message including voice domain preference information indicating an access network that is preferred by the UE for a voice service, to determine whether a user of the UE is a Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) subscriber, to determine whether access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed based on the voice domain preference information and whether the user is a VoLTE subscriber, and to control the transceiver to transmit, to the UE, a message indicating whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed, wherein access to the mobile communication system is allowed if the voice domain preference information indicates that only VoLTE is supported by the UE and if the user of the UE is the VoLTE subscriber.
In mobile communication systems, ensuring seamless voice service delivery is critical, especially for users subscribed to Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE). A challenge arises when User Equipment (UE) devices may support different voice service capabilities, and network operators need to efficiently manage access based on subscriber profiles and device preferences. This invention addresses this issue by introducing a Mobility Management Entity (MME) that intelligently controls UE access to the network based on voice domain preferences and VoLTE subscription status. The MME includes a transceiver for communicating with other network entities and a controller that processes UE messages containing voice domain preference information. This information indicates the UE's preferred access network for voice services. The controller determines whether the UE user is a VoLTE subscriber and evaluates whether the UE should be granted access to the mobile communication system. Access is permitted only if the UE explicitly supports VoLTE and the user is a VoLTE subscriber. The MME then transmits a response to the UE, indicating whether access is allowed. This approach ensures that only compatible devices with the appropriate subscriptions can utilize VoLTE services, optimizing network resource allocation and service quality.
9. The MME of claim 8 , wherein controller is further configured to identify subscription information and to determine whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system by using the subscription information and the voice domain preference information.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) that enhances user equipment (UE) access control based on subscription and voice domain preference information. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and appropriate access to mobile networks by UEs, particularly when considering their subscription details and preferences for voice services. The MME includes a controller that manages UE access to the mobile communication system. The controller is configured to identify subscription information associated with the UE, which may include details such as service plans, permissions, or restrictions. Additionally, the controller evaluates voice domain preference information, which indicates the UE's preferred domain (e.g., circuit-switched or packet-switched) for voice services. By analyzing both the subscription information and voice domain preference, the MME determines whether to grant or restrict the UE's access to the network. This ensures that access aligns with the UE's subscription terms and service capabilities, optimizing network resource allocation and user experience. The solution improves network efficiency by preventing unauthorized or mismatched access attempts, reducing unnecessary signaling, and ensuring compliance with service agreements.
10. The MME of claim 9 , wherein, when the subscription information includes information indicates that a subscriber is a VoLTE subscriber, the controller determines whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed by using the voice domain preference information.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically to methods for managing access control in a Mobility Management Entity (MME) for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) subscribers. The problem addressed is ensuring proper access control for VoLTE subscribers based on their subscription preferences and network policies. The MME includes a controller that processes subscription information for a user equipment (UE) attempting to access the mobile communication system. When the subscription information indicates that the UE is a VoLTE subscriber, the controller evaluates the UE's access request using voice domain preference information. This preference information determines whether the UE is permitted to access the network based on its configured voice domain settings, such as a preference for circuit-switched (CS) or packet-switched (PS) voice services. The controller enforces access policies to ensure that VoLTE subscribers are granted or denied access according to their subscription profile and network requirements. This mechanism prevents unauthorized or incompatible access attempts, optimizing network resource allocation and service quality for VoLTE users.
11. The MME of claim 9 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the transceiver to receive the subscription information from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS).
The invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network. The problem addressed is the efficient management of subscriber data to enable seamless service provisioning and authentication. The MME includes a controller and a transceiver. The controller is configured to process subscription information for a user device, such as authentication credentials, quality of service parameters, and service restrictions. The transceiver facilitates communication with other network nodes, including the Home Subscriber Server (HSS), which stores subscriber profiles. The controller further controls the transceiver to receive subscription information from the HSS, ensuring the MME has up-to-date subscriber data for authentication, authorization, and service provisioning. This allows the MME to verify the user device's identity, enforce access policies, and manage mobility across the network. The invention improves network efficiency by reducing redundant data requests and ensuring accurate subscriber data handling. The transceiver may also communicate with other network elements like Serving Gateways (S-GWs) and Packet Data Network Gateways (P-GWs) to establish and manage data sessions. The controller processes the subscription information to determine the appropriate network resources and services for the user device, enhancing service reliability and user experience.
12. The MME of claim 8 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the transceiver to receive UE usage setting information including information indicating whether the UE prefers the voice service or a data service from the UE, and to determine whether the access of the UE to the mobile communication system is allowed by using the UE usage setting information and the voice domain preference information.
This invention relates to mobile communication systems, specifically to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) that manages user equipment (UE) access based on service preferences. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient resource allocation by aligning UE access with network capabilities and user priorities, particularly when voice and data services compete for limited resources. The MME includes a controller and a transceiver. The controller is configured to receive and process voice domain preference information, which indicates whether the mobile communication system prioritizes voice or data services. The transceiver communicates with the UE to gather usage setting information, including whether the UE prefers voice or data services. The controller then determines whether to allow the UE's access to the system by evaluating both the UE's preference and the network's priority. This ensures that access decisions are made based on a combination of user needs and network constraints, optimizing resource utilization and service quality. The invention improves upon prior systems by dynamically adjusting access permissions based on real-time preferences, reducing unnecessary resource allocation and enhancing service reliability. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where network capacity is limited, ensuring that critical services (e.g., voice calls) are prioritized when needed.
13. The MME of claim 8 , wherein, when the voice domain preference information includes information indicating that only a Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB)-based voice service is supported, the controller determines not to allow the access of the UE to the network.
This invention relates to mobile network access control in a wireless communication system, specifically addressing the handling of user equipment (UE) devices that do not support certain voice service capabilities. The problem solved is ensuring network efficiency and resource allocation by preventing access from UEs that lack required voice service support, particularly in scenarios where only Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB)-based voice services are available. The invention involves a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network that evaluates voice domain preference information received from a UE during an attachment or tracking area update procedure. If the UE's voice domain preference information indicates that it only supports CSFB-based voice services, the MME's controller determines that the UE should not be granted access to the network. This prevents unnecessary signaling and resource consumption for UEs that cannot utilize the available voice services effectively. The MME may also handle other voice service preferences, such as allowing access if the UE supports both CSFB and IMS-based voice services. The invention ensures that network resources are allocated efficiently by restricting access to UEs that cannot fully utilize the available voice service options.
14. The MME of claim 8 , wherein, when the voice domain preference information includes information indicating that a Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB)-based voice service is primarily preferred and the a VoLTE-based voice service is secondarily preferred, the controller controls the transceiver to transmit information indicating that the access to the network through the CSFB-based voice service is not possible to the UE.
This invention relates to mobile communication networks, specifically to handling voice service preferences in a Mobility Management Entity (MME) within an Evolved Packet System (EPS). The problem addressed is ensuring efficient voice service fallback when a user equipment (UE) prefers Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB) as the primary voice service but also supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE) as a secondary option. The MME includes a transceiver and a controller. The transceiver communicates with the UE and other network components. The controller processes voice domain preference information received from the UE, which indicates the UE's preferred voice service options. If the UE prioritizes CSFB as the primary voice service and VoLTE as a secondary option, the controller determines whether CSFB access is available. If CSFB access is not possible, the controller directs the transceiver to transmit a message to the UE indicating that CSFB-based voice service is unavailable. This allows the UE to switch to the secondary VoLTE option, ensuring uninterrupted voice service. The invention improves network efficiency by dynamically managing voice service fallback based on real-time availability.
Unknown
January 16, 2018
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